Quality Assurance in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratories in Secondary Healthcare Facilities in Plateau State

Quality assurance in clinical biochemistry laboratories is fundamental to diagnostic accuracy and patient safety in Nigeria's healthcare system. This study evaluates the status of quality assurance practices in biochemistry laboratories of selected secondary healthcare facilities in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional institutional audit was conducted across 12 government-owned hospitals using structured observation checklists, laboratory document reviews, and interviews with laboratory staff. Quality indicators assessed included internal quality control documentation, participation in external quality assurance schemes, equipment calibration records, reagent storage practices, staff training records, and turnaround times. The study also examines the availability of standard operating procedures and the frequency of their update. A quality scoring system was applied to rank laboratories and to classify common deficiencies by category. The relationship between laboratory funding, staffing levels, and quality scores was analysed. Findings are expected to reveal significant quality gaps particularly in internal quality control implementation and staff training. Recommendations for a scalable quality improvement framework appropriate to secondary-level biochemistry laboratories in North Central Nigeria are proposed. Keywords: quality assurance, clinical biochemistry, laboratory quality, secondary healthcare, Plateau State.